ECOSCOPE Information Sessions – April 30, May 2

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We are currently recruiting UBC graduate students from all faculties for ECOSCOPE’s 2018-2019 cohort! Our advanced training program bridges the gap between science and industry through education, networking with local entrepreneurs, and internships in industry. If you are interested in learning more about our program, please come to one of our information sessions or visit ecoscope.ubc.ca.

2018.04.30_Information_Session

The Ecosystem Services, Commercialization Platforms and Entrepreneurship (ECOSCOPE) industrial stream NSERC CREATE training program provides UBC students and post-docs with the skills needed to translate environmental sequence information derived from studying microbial communities in natural and engineered ecosystems into commercial and entrepreneurial activities.

Best wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Bonderoff, Ph.D
ECOSCOPE Network Coordinator
The University of British Columbia
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Life Sciences Institute
2505-2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
604-827-4216

Graduate and postdoctoral research opportunities in London Ontario Canada

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Funded MSc/PhD Positions Available: Ecology of Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture

Within the context of better understanding the role that agriculture may play in promoting antibiotic resistance, graduate student positions are available for individuals who will conduct research on the dynamics of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance determinants in agroecosystems. Relevant areas of focus will include

1) Dynamics of genes associated with antibiotic resistance following land application of manures or biosolids;

2) Interactions of antibiotic drug residues with soil microorganisms;

3) The fate in an animal model microbiome of antimicrobial resistance genes and associated genetic elements following ingestion of environmental samples. A variety of microbiological, molecular and biochemical techniques are used in the laboratory, including, but not limited to, culture-dependent/independent techniques, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, nucleic acid extraction, and quantitative-real time PCR.

Field experiments are undertaken on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research farm. Students will be registered in the Department of Biology at the University of Western Ontario, with research undertaken in the laboratories of Drs. Ed Topp and Michael Fruci at the AAFC Research Centre in London, Ontario.

Qualifications:
• Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in antibiotic resistance and microbial ecology
• Experience in bacteriology, molecular biology (cloning, PCR, quantitative real-time PCR), and animal handling are an asset
• Knowledge and interest in agriculture and food production are an asset
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work both independently and in a team

Start date: Immediate for the fall, or the winter term of 2018.

For examples of our recent publications and further information on the University of Western Ontario consult:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Edward_Topp
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Fruci
http://www.uwo.ca/biology/graduate/prospective/index.html

Application Instructions:
Individuals who are interested in the position should submit (i) a curriculum vitae, (ii) a copy of official transcripts, (iii) and a letter indicating motivation, career interests and goals to:

Dr. Ed Topp
Principal Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario

E-mail: ed.topp@agr.gc.ca

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Postdoctoral Research Associate Position:

Ecology of antimicrobial resistance in food production systems A postdoctoral position is available with Dr. Ed Topp, at the London Research & Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and the Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London Ontario.

The research concerns the dynamics and ecology of antimicrobial resistance genes and associated genetic elements in animal and human wastes commonly used as fertilizers in crop production systems.
The work will build on field and laboratory experiments that have now been ongoing for several years.
Project funding is provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Research through the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR https://www.jpiamr.eu/).

The project team includes colleagues from the University of Guelph, as well as colleagues from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Romania and Switzerland.
The successful candidate will thus have the opportunity for stimulating interactions with Canadian and international colleagues working on complementary research concerning the management of AMR development and transmission in food production systems.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in microbiology or similar field with strong skills in microbial ecology and/or molecular biology. Ideally, candidates will also have the following attributes:

*A strong publication record from their graduate studies (papers published, in press, or submitted), creativity, independence, and the desire to learn and excellent communication skills.
* The position is renewable annually for up to three years, contingent upon job performance. A start date in the spring or summer of 2018 would be ideal.

Interested individuals should send a CV, a cover letter stating how previous experience would benefit the project, career interests and ambition, and names of three potential referees in PDF format to ed.topp@agr.gc.ca.

For recent publications from our research team please see
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Edward_Topp

UBC Master of Educational Technology – Starting September!

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MASTER OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY (MET)

An international online graduate program

Begins: September 2018
Delivery: 100% Online
Apply By: May 15, 2018

Leverage technology in your teaching in this part-time, online graduate program designed for all types of educators.

Skilled Educators create rich learning environments where students are introduced to new ideas, develop new skills, and expand their perspectives. The informed use of technology can engage students in new experiences and create a community of learners across geographical boundaries. The UBC Master of Educational Technology (MET) is a fully online graduate-level program offered by a world-renowned university, that has attracted students from over 35 countries.

Courses delivered in the MET program are designed to ensure that graduates will have a sophisticated understanding of how e-learning functions within different organizational contexts, the potential use and impact of Learning Technologies, and a holistic perspective on issues that impact the successful planning, development and delivery of e-learning.

Apply Now for this dynamic program!
MET Program Contact Information
David Roy
Senior Program Assistant
david.roy@ubc.ca

Ministry of Agriculture career opportunity

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BC Ministry of Agriculture

Kelowna or Oliver, BC

 

Claims Compliance Analyst

Salary $56,662.05- $70,770.36 annually 

This position is also posted as a Scientific Technical Officer under REQ 49831.

The Business Risk Management Branch (BRMB) provides agricultural risk management services to help British Columbia agricultural producers to proactively manage uncertainty. These programs are funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Agreement between the provinces and Canada. This Agreement ensures the provinces fund and deliver the suite of BRM programs which include: AgriInsurance (Production Insurance); AgriStability; AgriRisk; AgriInvest; AgriRecovery and Agricultural Wildlife Damage Compensation. These programs help farming operations protect themselves from financial losses due to weather perils, wildlife and market conditions.

The Claims Compliance Analyst provides agrology expertise in the development and delivery of Business Risk Management programs, especially Production Insurance, Agriculture Wildlife Programs and AgriRecovery initiatives. The position is critical for researching, evaluating, documenting and implementing claims adjusting methodologies, contractor audits and recommends the best options for program improvement. In addition, the Claims Compliance Analyst performs or manages inspections and adjustments of claims; recommends and approves claim settlements, verifies peril or cause(s) and extent of crop damage. The professional translation of agronomic principles and knowledge into practical agricultural insurance adjusting strategies is key to the role.

Qualifications for this role include:

  • Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in agriculture or related field and a minimum of 3 years of recent agricultural work experience.
  • Applicants must be registered or eligible for registration* with the BC Institute of Agrologists as a Registered Professional Agrologist (PAg.)

o    *Note: Immediately eligible means you are currently a registered Professional Agrologist member in good standing in another Canadian jurisdiction and can immediately transfer to the BCIA

 

For more information and to apply before May 7, 2018, please go to: https://bcpublicservice.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/49835

The 2018 Graduate Student Satisfaction Survey

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Dear Fellow UBC Graduate Student,

We want to hear from you. 

The Graduate Student Society (GSS) advocates for, promotes, and protects your academic, social, intellectual, cultural and recreational interests. As we continue our efforts to support graduate students at UBC, we need your help.

Since 2014, we have been conducting the GSS Student Satisfaction Survey (GSS – SSS) to measure the quality of graduate student experience in UBC Vancouver. The answers and opinions collected have been helping the GSS identify the most pressing challenges faced by graduate students, and then advocate the university and government for improvements in areas such as graduate student funding, housing, and career preparation.

We are inviting you to share your thoughts and insights on your graduate school experience by completing this year’s survey:

You have until May 15, 2018 to complete this survey. It only takes less than 20 minutes to finish. You will have a chance to enter the draw for one of six (6) $50 gift cards and one (1) $100 gift card for the grand prize.

Your participation in this survey will go a long way in helping us, your Graduate Student Society, in advocating for our interests and improving our experiences in UBC.

If you are or have been a Teaching Assistant in UBC, I would also encourage to complete the CUPE 2278 Bargaining Survey. The deadline for this survey is April 30, 2018.

Sincerely yours,

The Graduate Student Society

COMPLETE THE SURVEY